Commonwealth Policy Center

Two bills proposed in the state Senate aim to empower Kentucky voters. Senate Bill 8 calls for elections for members of the Kentucky Board of Education. As it is, members are currently appointed by the Governor, which makes this important decision making body more partisan. Senate Bill 10 would move elections for constitutional officers—including the Governor—to even numbered years which corresponds with both presidential and congressional elections and means higher turnout for voters. Last year’s race for governor saw a dismal 38% voter turnout—attributed to election fatigue. The bill is projected to save local governments about $13.5 million. Both bills are common sense proposals and if they pass they will give Kentuckians more opportunity to influence their state government.